Brazen thieves are stealing catalytic converters from vehicles in Medway car parks in broad daylight.

Police are warning of a surge in thefts of the devices, worth hundreds of pounds, after five were stolen in just one day.

Officers believe criminals are working in gangs, sometimes pretending to have dropped items under cars while they strip out the catalytic converter.

On Saturday, five were stolen in Chatham and Gillingham within just four hours.

Thieves targeted three Citreon vehicles in two car parks in Maidstone Road, Chatham, and Horsted Retail Park between 10am and midday.

Then two Peugeot 406 cars were attacked in car parks in Courtney Road, Gillingham, and Gillingham Business Park between 12.30pm and 2.15pm.

DC Richard Taylor, from Medway Police, asked people to be vigilant and said officers will be patrolling car parks on the look-out for thieves.

He said: "We believe that these criminals are organised and professional, carrying out the offences quickly in broad daylight.

"I would like to ask people to be mindful that this kind of offence is occurring and contact police if they are suspicious of people working on vehicles in public car parks or acting as though they have dropped items under them.

"It literally takes minutes to strip the catalytic converters from the cars and prompt information is vital in catching those responsible."

Anyone with any information about the thefts is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 690690 or, if a crime is in progress, dial 999.